Inhale the Scent of Spring in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

January 4, 2018

You may ask, “What is there to do along the Alabama Gulf Coast in May?” May is actually when the action begins to heat up, and the weather starts to warm up. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a spring break trip with your family, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have plenty to keep you entertained.

Here is a sample of some of the fun things to see and do along Alabama’s Gulf Coast:

2018 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship
May 4-6, 8am-5pm. Gulf Shores Public Beach. The top eight collegiate teams from across the country hit the white sandy beaches to compete for the coveted championship. All of the bumping, setting and spiking will keep you on the edge of your seat.

14th Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival
May 4, 2pm-10pm and May 5, 9am-10pm. Free admission. The event will feature more than 30 colorful balloons from across the country. Spread out your picnic blanket or plop down in your lawn chair, grab an ice-cold drink and enjoy a variety of live music daily, from country to rock and roll. Enjoy fun entertainment featuring something for every member of your family including the Disc Connected K-9 World Famous Frisbee Dog Show. Toss after high toss you will be amazed as man’s best friend defies gravity catching their flying saucers in midair. Or check out the carnival and grab a cone of homemade ice cream or a delicious BBQ plate as you shop through an eclectic array of local crafters, artisans and Many crafters even provide onsite demonstrations. Find a one of a kind piece of art, or grab a souvenir to commemorate your visit. Coolers, smoking and pets are not allowed.

Orange Beach Billfish Classic
Tournament dates: May 16-20. Weigh-in: May 18 (7pm-10pm) and May 19 (6pm-10pm). Marlin tournament season in the Gulf of Mexico means big fish and big bucks as well as a serious adrenaline rush for anglers. Since 2013 The Wharf Marina entertainment complex has hosted the Orange Beach Billfish Classic. After the anglers leave Perdido Pass at noon on Thursday, fishing begins and continues until the fish are brought in to weigh before the excited crowds at the heart of The Wharf entertainment complex on Friday and Saturday night.

LuLuPalooza 2018
May 26, 11am-9pm. Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s. Free admission. Join us for good times, sunshine and live music all day as we kick-off our summer season. Let the good times roll at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores.

Alabama Gulf Coast ZooOpen daily 9am-4pm in Gulf Shores. $11 adults, $9 seniors, $8 kids 3-12. Kids age 2 and under are FREE. Get up-close-and-personal with more than 500 animals including encounters with sloths, kangaroos and Every member of your family will enjoy strolling between the different exhibits and learning more about what the animals eat, where the animals live and how the animals sound and interact with you. There is a small additional fee for the animal encounters.

Watersports, watersports and more watersports
If you are craving some action and adventure on the water, you’ve come to the right place to enjoy diving, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding and more. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have it all so discover your next adventure and enjoy some fun in the sun along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.